Council puts $4000 in foodbanks

Bay of Plenty foodbanks are $4000 better off thanks to a Christmas gift from Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The council decided to donate to foodbanks instead of sending Christmas cards this year. It sent electronic cards.

Staff have also been donating food items for foodbanks.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod said it had been a tough year for many and the region's foodbanks needed help to assist those unable to put food on the table.

"We've seen how appreciative the foodbanks were of the donation in previous years so we were more than happy to support them again this year,"Ms Macleod said.

"This will be our third year running this initiative and we think it's a great way for us to get into the festive cheer and more importantly spread it around our communities.

"Supporting the region's food banks is a more sustainable approach to Christmas and the staff and councillors have really supported the effort."

A total of $16,000 went to foodbanks in Tauranga and Western Bay. Kawerau, Rotorua, Opotiki and Whakatane also benefited.